Des

Hey! I'm Des!

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Fried Shrimp Tacos

If you are looking for the perfect fried shrimp tacos with slaw these are it! Fried shrimp tacos are loaded with crispy golden fried shrimp and topped with a creamy mango slaw.

Shrimp tacos have always been one of my favorites. And judging by my search traffic, shrimp tacos have a lot of fans. In fact, the most popular recipe on my blog, by far, is my recipe for Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream. And it’s good. Really good. And, I know you shouldn’t mess with a good thing, but I thought it was time to create a crispy version of shrimp tacos so I decided to make these Fried Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw.

They’ve got the whole crispy, crunchy, sweet, spicy and creamy thing going on. And you are going to LOVE them.

Fried shrimp tacos on plate.

Fried Shrimp Taco Ingredients:

You’ll break this recipe into two separate parts: The Fried Shrimp and the Mango Slaw.

First up the shrimp: 

  • SHRIMP: For this you’ll want to use either medium or large shrimp. Shrimp is sold in amount per pound. For medium shrimp there will be 51 – 60 per pound for large shrimp there will be 31 – 40 per pound. 
  • CHILI POWDER: Will add a bit of smoky heat but not too much. 
  • CUMIN: Adds a warm citrusy flavor. 
  • GRANULATED GARLIC: You can also substitute garlic powder if that is what you have on hand. If you only have garlic salt, use that but omit the additional salt. 
  • SALT

After marinating the shrimp, you’ll need to coat it. To do that you’ll need the basics: 

  • ALL PURPOSE FLOUR: This will give the egg/milk wash something to stick to.
  • EGG/MILK: This will give a layer for the panko to stick to. 
  • PANKO BREAD CRUMBS: I love using panko bread crumbs when I am frying. It gives everything a light crunchy crisp exterior. 

Next up is the mango slaw. For that you will need:

  • MAYONNAISE: This will be the base of the dressing and what will give the slaw it’s creaminess. 
  • VINEGAR: Adds acidity and tang to the dressing. 
  • LIME JUICE: Also adds a touch of acidity and brightness. 
  • CHILI POWDER: Adds smoky heat. 
  • MANGO: The star of the show in the slaw. It adds a sweet melon flavor. 
  • COLESLAW MIX: A blend of cabbage and carrots that you can buy at the grocery store. You can cut up your own cabbage and carrots if you like. 
  • JALAPEÑO: Adds heat to the slaw. 
  • RED ONION: Sliced thin so it won’t overpower the dish. 
  • CILANTRO: Optional but it adds a bright color and flavor. 

You’ll also need oil for frying the shrimp as well as corn tortillas. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

To make Fried Shrimp Tacos you’re going to make the slaw first. This will give all of the flavors a chance to mingle while you’re making the shrimp. 

STEP #1: To make the slaw, in a small bowl whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing. 

STEP #2: In a large bowl, combine the cole slaw mix, jalapeno, red onion and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top and mix well. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use. 

STEP #3: Combine the shrimp, chili powder, cumin, granulated garlic and salt. Toss so the shrimp is coated completely. 

STEP #4: Next you’re going to bread the shrimp. Set up an assembly line to do this. First dredge the shrimp in flour. 

STEP #5: Dip the dredged shrimp into the egg wash. Make sure to dip both sides. 

STEP #6: Dredge the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs. You may need to slightly press the crumbs into the shrimp to make sure they are well coated. 

STEP #7: Heat oil to 350 degrees and fry shrimp, in batches if necessary, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt. 

STEP #8: Heat the tortillas according to package directions and then assemble the tacos. Use 4 – 5 shrimp per taco and top with slaw. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

You can make the slaw ahead of time, even up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use. And then store any leftovers in the fridge and eat within a couple days. 

For the shrimp, they are best eaten right when they are made. As reheating can cause them to become tough. 

Looking for something to serve alongside? Try these:

Homemade Tortilla Chips are easier to make than you think!

Easy Pico de Gallo is a must when snacking on chips!

If you like things a little spicier, you’ve GOT to try my Habanero Salsa.

If you loved these Fried Shrimp Tacos, you’ve got to try some of my other taco recipes:

Crispy Fish Tacos with Spicy Slaw is perfect for fried cod lovers!

Save this Prime Rib Taco Recipe for when you’ve got leftover prime rib!


Note: This post was originally published in 2016. It was updated in 2023 with new photos, nutrition information and step by step photos. 

If you are looking for the perfect fried shrimp tacos these are it! These crispy shrimp tacos are loaded with crispy golden fried shrimp and a creamy mango slaw.

Fried Shrimp Tacos

If you are looking for the perfect shrimp tacos these are it! These fried shrimp tacos are loaded with crispy golden fried shrimp and a creamy mango slaw.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

Fried Shrimp Taco Ingredients:

  • 1 pound medium shrimp 51-60 count, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • oil for frying
  • 10 - 12 taco shells

Mango Slaw Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons distilled vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup diced mango
  • 2 cups coleslaw mix
  • 1 jalapeno sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • salt

Instructions
 

  • Make the slaw first. Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, lime juice, cumin and chili powder.
  • In a bowl mix together mango, coleslaw mix, jalapeño, red onion and cilantro. Pour mayonnaise mixture over the top. Toss to coat. Season to taste with salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • In a bowl combine shrimp chili powder, cumin, granulated garlic and salt. Toss to coat.
  • Make an assembly line to coat the shrimp. Place the flour on one plate. Whisk together the egg and milk in a bowl. On another plate place panko.
  • Dredge the shrimp in the flour, dip in the egg/milk mixture and finally press into the panko to coat. Repeat until all shrimp are coated.
  • Heat 1/4 inch of oil in skillet to 350 degrees. Fry shrimp, in batches if necessary until, golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes.
  • Heat tortillas according to package directions.
  • To assemble a taco, place 4 - 5 shrimp in a taco shell and spoon slaw over the top. Serve.

Notes

Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: coleslaw, mangoes, shrimp tacos, tacos

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Nikki
    May 16, 2021 at 8:46 am

    5 stars
    I loved them, I just added some sweet chili sauce and it was perfection

    • Reply
      Deseree
      May 16, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      Great to hear Nikki! Thank you!

  • Reply
    debattinella
    April 6, 2016 at 7:43 am

    I’m definitely excited to try these – love that slaw!

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    April 5, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    Craving shrimp tacos right now! These look fantastic!

  • Reply
    MomOnTimeout
    April 5, 2016 at 7:44 am

    LOVE me some good fish tacos! These look aamzing!

  • Reply
    dinnerthendessert
    April 4, 2016 at 11:01 pm

    I love shrimp tacos! I have to try this recipe!

  • Reply
    Dee
    April 4, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    These look so good! I still haven’t gotten around to trying shrimp tacos, but now I really don’t have an excuse! :)

  • Reply
    Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry
    April 4, 2016 at 10:47 am

    These look like absolute HEAVEN. The best part of living with seafood haters is I can make these and not have to share :D

  • Reply
    marisc
    April 4, 2016 at 8:12 am

    These look incredible! I love fish tacos especially in the spring/summer.

  • Reply
    Lady Gourmet
    April 4, 2016 at 3:45 am

    Dear Des, your shrimp tacos look perfect. I love the bit of spice…perfect warm weather dish! xo, Catherine

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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